Pensions - Articles - Pensioners are being 'alienated' by consumer services

 Almost half of the UK’s pensioners feel that high street services are targeted more towards young people, according to a new study.

 Barclays said 49% of the UK’s over-65s believe that younger consumers are better-served by the country’s retail businesses.

 Some 60% of those questioned in the survey said loud music in shops is their greatest source of annoyance on the high street.

 Meanwhile, 42% said they often get pushed by younger people on stairs as a result of their slower walking pace.

 Fashion items also tend to be geared more towards younger customers, according to the retirees who were queried.

 And long queues at supermarket checkouts pose problems for many pensioners, the study from the banking group revealed.

 More than 50 workers at Barclays have recently made use of an ‘elderly simulation suit’ to discover how older people interact with branch, internet and telephone banking services.

 A bank spokeswoman said: “The outfit simulates what it’s like to live as an older member of society and experience the physical challenges that people with mobility impairments may face.”